China, Vietnam navies to conduct 33rd joint patrol in Beibu Gulf: Defense Spokesperson

BEIJING, Nov.24 -- According to the agreement between the Chinese and Vietnamese militaries, the troops assigned to China's PLA Southern Theater Command and the Vietnam People's Navy will carry out their 33rd joint patrol in Beibu Gulf from November 24 to 25, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.

The spokesperson said that the joint patrol is a friendly routine exchange between the two militaries, aiming to promote the traditional neighborliness and friendship between China and Vietnam, jointly maintain security and stability in the waters of Beibu Gulf, and promote the healthy and steady development of China-Vietnam mil-to-mil relations.